Emergency incidents, whether caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, traffic accidents, fires, civil disturbances, or terrorism-- require a seamless, coordinated response from government. Recent emergencies have demonstrated the importance of coordination among local, tribal, State, and Federal public safety officials at the incident scene. Today, the public safety wireless communications infrastructure is poorly equipped to meet many of the challenges that arise in emergency situations. In particular, public safety responders lack interoperability, which can impede public safety response efforts.
Key issues that hamper public safety wireless communications include:
• Incompatible and aging communications equipment
• Limited and fragmented funding
• Limited and fragmented communications planning
• A lack of coordination and cooperation among public safety agencies
• Limited and fragmented radio spectrum
• Limited equipment standards
SAFECOM has developed the following work packages to address these issues:
• Program Management Support and Administration
• Technology Solutions
• Technical Assistance and Outreach
• Standards
• Policy
By accelerating the convergent integration of wireless public safety communication networks, SAFECOM will provide improved public safety services to local, tribal, State, and Federal government public safety practitioners. More efficient communications among practitioners potentially reduces loss of life and property in emergency situations. SAFECOM’s role is to provide public safety agencies with the knowledge, leadership and guidance needed to help them achieve short-term interoperability and long-term compatibility. |